GREEN-FINGERED volunteers from Worcester picked up their shovels and trowels to transform the overgrown garden of a woman undergoing cancer treatment.
The 14-strong team of volunteers from Homebase, including the local store in Worcester, travelled from across the country to help Lindridge resident Mandi Boardman and her husband Guy make a fresh start.
The couple were over-whelmed with joy when, following Mandi’s cancer treatment, the group of volunteers completely transformed their overgrown garden as part of Homebase’s charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support,
Having moved out to the country for a better quality of life, the couple had been working hard to create their dream garden for over ten years, planting numerous flower beds, wildflower areas and an orchard, as well as growing their own vegetables, salads and fruit.
However, as a result of Mandi’s exhausting treatment for breast cancer and Guy becoming her carer, Mandi said the garden that had once been their pride and joy fell into an unmanageable state.
As part of the transformation, the green-fingered volunteers planted fresh lavender, dug out weeds, trimmed back hedges and pruned shrubs.
Mandi said: “For a long while the garden had to be our lowest priority and seeing just how bad it had become was really getting me down.
“It was a constant reminder of being unwell and being powerless to do anything about it.
“I am absolutely over the moon and want to thank the Homebase volunteers so much for our new garden. You cannot imagine how much it means to us, it really does signify a fresh start.
“The old garden often left me feeling isolated and helpless and I can’t wait to start gardening and having friends over again.”
Will Gogerty, partnership development manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We really appreciate Homebase’s continued fundraising efforts, helping to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
“I especially want to thank the volunteers for reaching out and helping to improve the lives of people with cancer in the local community.
“I think it’s very clear what a difference hard work will make to Mandi’s and Guy’s lives.”
Visit www.macmillan.org.uk/volunteering to find out more about how you can reach out to people affected by cancer in your local community.
